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What is Bollywood?
For the Bollywood confused….”Bollywood” is not spelled wrong in this blog! Although my spell check disagrees and wants me to change the “B” to an “H”. Being exposed to Indian culture for many, many years (quite possibly in a past life), I was surprised when my dear friend from Long Island asked me what is “Bollywood”?? I thought everyone has heard of this!
So, If you have no clue what Bollywood is or about the Bollywood film industry you are not alone! Here is a little bit of information….
The name “Bollywood” is derived from Bombay (the former name for the city of Mumbai) and Hollywood, the center of the American film industry. Unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a physical place. Though some deplore the name, arguing that it makes the industry look like a poor cousin to Hollywood. Regardless, Bollywood is considered to be the largest film industry in the world in terms of number of films produced, and the number of tickets sold.
Bollywood films are usually musicals and often melodramatic. Few movies are made without at least one song-and-dance number. Indian audiences expect full value for their money; they want songs and dances, love interest, comedy and dare-devil thrills, all mixed up in a three hour long extravaganza with intermission. Such movies are called masala movies, named after the spice mixture masala. Like masala, these movies have everything.
Bollywood movie nights are now every Friday at JujoMukti Tea Lounge at 8pm. Stop by and check out the show!
